1 John 3:17

But, if any one has worldly possessions, and yet looks on while his Brother is in want, and steels his heart against him, how can it be said that the love of God is within him?

Twentieth Century New Testament

In The King James Version

But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

In Context

16We have learned to know what love is from this — that Christ laid down his life on our behalf. Therefore we also ought to lay down our lives on behalf of our Brothers.

18My children, do not let our love be mere words, or end in talk; let it be true and show itself in acts.

Read all of 1 John 3

Cross References

2 Corinthians 8:9For you do not forget the loving-kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ — how that for your sakes, although he was rich, he became poor, so that you also might become rich through his poverty.

2 Corinthians 9:5Therefore I think it necessary to urge the Brothers to go to you in advance, and to complete the arrangements for the gift, which you have already promised, so that it may be ready, as a gift, before I come, and not look as if it were being given under pressure.

Hebrews 13:16Never forget to do kindly acts and to share what you have with others, for such sacrifices are acceptable to God.

Matthew Henry on 1 John 3:15-20

Brotherly Love. ( a. d. 80.) 14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 John 3:17